SURREY, BC, Jan. 26 /CNW/ - The newest group of 11 students enrolled in
Terasen Gas' Residential Energy and Efficiency Works (REnEW) training
program, recently held in Kelowna, have now graduated. The program is
funded by Terasen Gas, FortisBC, and BC Hydro, and helps program
graduates develop skills needed to apply for work in the energy
efficiency industry performing retrofit work, as well as entry-level
trade/construction positions.

"The REnEW program was designed to help address the need for people
skilled in the growing area of energy efficiency retrofits while at the
same time, providing support for individuals striving to overcome
employment barriers. As this program grows in strength, we can see
positive effects both for graduates and the energy efficiency sector in
British Columbia," said Tom Loski, Vice President, Customer Service at
Terasen Gas and FortisBC.

In addition to learning about the fundamentals of energy efficiency
technologies and the installation of these technologies in existing
homes, program graduates received training in first aid,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and fall protection. They are now
better equipped to work with organizations involved in the energy
efficiency industry.

"I would like to personally congratulate the individuals who have
graduated from this program. I am excited about the fantastic work they
will be doing in their communities to advance energy conservation and
efficiency," said Lisa Coltart, BC Hydro's Executive Director of Power
Smart and Customer Care.

The REnEW program will continue throughout 2011 and offer the course in
B.C. communities where energy efficiency programs already exist. The
goal of the program is to support the growing energy efficiency
retrofit industry by creating a much-needed pool of skilled workers for
this emerging field. Participants in this class of the REnEW program
are selected by the John Howard Society.

"The John Howard Society is so pleased to be involved in this innovative
training program which provides participants with much needed skills
and experience to help them gain meaningful employment to escape
poverty. The REnEW program is an example of what can be accomplished
when everyone works together to achieve a common goal," said Shelley
Cook, Executive Director of the John Howard Society of the Central and
South Okanagan.

Further background on the REnEW program and application process is
available by contacting the John Howard Society at 250-763-1331.

About Terasen GasTerasen Gas is composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver
Island) Inc., and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. Terasen Gas is a leading
integrated energy solutions provider, focused on the safe and reliable
provision of natural gas, propane and alternative energy solutions.
Terasen Gas serves approximately 939,000 residential and commercial
customers in more than 125 B.C. communities. Terasen Gas employs more
than 1,280 people in British Columbia and is indirectly wholly owned by
Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada.
Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade
under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

About FortisBCFortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in
Kelowna, British Columbia. Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and
cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves approximately 160,000 customers directly and indirectly
through wholesale utilities in the southern interior of B.C. FortisBC
owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants and
approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power
lines. FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest
investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS.
Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or
www.sedar.com.

About BC HydroBC Hydro is a commercial Crown corporation owned by the Province of
British Columbia. BC Hydro is one of North America's leading providers
of clean, renewable energy, and the largest electric utility in British Columbia,
serving approximately 95 per cent of the province's population and 1.8
million customers. We are responsible for reliably generating between
43,000 and 54,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity. Electricity is
delivered to customers through an interconnected system of 18,531
kilometres of transmission lines and 56,780 kilometres of distribution
lines.

About the John Howard SocietyThe John Howard Society of Canada is an organization of provincial and
territorial societies comprised of and governed by people whose goal is
to understand and respond to social and health related problems with a focus on criminal justice.
The John Howard Society of the Central and South Okanagan (JHSCSO) is a
registered charity and an incorporated non-profit association that has
been serving the Central Okanagan for over 50 years. JHSCSO has a
strong community presence and well-established professional working
relationships with the criminal justice system and the community.